A cellular router is a device that connects a Point-of-Sale (POS) system to the internet using cellular networks. For merchants, using a cellular router can provide a number of benefits that can help to improve the security and reliability of their POS systems.
Reliable Connectivity: A cellular router provides a reliable and consistent connection to the internet, ensuring that transactions can be processed smoothly and without interruption. This is particularly important for merchants who operate in remote locations or areas with limited broadband connectivity. Cellular routers can be configured to act as the primary or failover connectivity method providing valuable uptime when the local area network (LAN) inevitably goes down. Some cellular routers even offer dual carrier and/or dual SIM options for additional redundancy.
Secure Data Transmission: Cellular routers can play a role in protecting sensitive customer information from potential threats such as hacking and eavesdropping. Using a cellular router is the best and easiest way to create a separate, zero-trust network to ensure secure and encrypted data transmission between the POS system and payment processors. Choosing a cellular router from a PCI compliant manufacturer is the easiest way for merchants to ensure they are in compliance with the standards outlined by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI).
Remote Management and Monitoring: Many cellular routers offer remote management capabilities, allowing merchants to manage and monitor their POS systems from anywhere. Customer portals can offer advanced monitoring and management capability including the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues impacting payment networks. Platforms that add value by enabling you to perform actions like remote rebooting devices to clear errors can save operators a lot of time and money.
Cost-Effective: A cellular router is often a cost-effective solution compared to other types of connectivity options, such as broadband or leased lines. This can help to keep costs down, while still providing secure and reliable connectivity for your POS system.
Easy to Deploy: Cellular routers are often easy to deploy and can be set up quickly, reducing downtime and allowing you to start processing transactions right away. Cellular routers also provide more flexibility than wired options in terms of where POS terminals can be deployed in a space.
In conclusion, using a cellular router can provide a number of benefits for merchants who use POS systems. With its reliable connectivity, secure data transmission, and remote management capabilities, a cellular router can help to improve the security and reliability of your POS system. By choosing a trusted provider and selecting a cellular router that is designed specifically for the needs of merchants, you can help to ensure that your POS system is secure, reliable, and cost-effective.